Foundation Files; Becca Blotting Powder Perfector - Tinted

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference: in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

Becca Blotting Powder Perfector - Tinted

Brand: Becca

Name: Blotting Powder Perfector

Coverage: None

Shade: Tinted

Swatch:

Becca Blotting Powder Perfector - Tinted - Swatch

What The brand says: An oil-absorbing powder that mattifies skin and sets makeup for a long-lasting perfected soft focus look. This non-drying micro-fine powder controls shine without adding noticeable color or texture. Imperfections are softened while the appearance of pores are minimized for a velvet smooth finish. Use after foundation application to set makeup or alone for touch ups throughout the day.

Wear time (with/without primer): This has great wear time, once applied I don't need to reapply for a few hours, however I did find towards the end of the day more frequent reapplication was required to keep shine at bay.

Price (ml): £29 (10.8g)

Pros: Controls oil
Comes in a handy pouch

Cons: Would benefit from one extra shade being added to the line

Suitable Skin Types: Combination, Normal, Oily

Ingredients: MICA, SILICA, DIMETHICONE, OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRAISOSTEARATE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE. MAY CONTAIN: CI 77492 (IRON OXIDE), CI 75470 (CARMINE), CI 77491 (IRON OXIDE)

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: It comes with a powder puff, which I never used, it's housed in a mirrored compact, and the little zip up pouch and is a great addition.

Conclusion: Every summer the hunt for the perfect products to keep shine at bay is on, this year I found one such product, the Becca Blotting Powder Perfector. This comes in 2 shades, tinted and translucent, I picked this up from SpaceNK. I use this mainly to touch up throughout the day, I found that when used to set my base if I was a little too heavy handed it would initially make me appear a little ashy, but this doesn't happen during touch ups. it can also be used as a finishing powder, once setting powder has been applied to also prevent this.

This powder is great for absorbing oil, without getting cakey and heavy, as it has little to no coverage it hardly alters the colour of your original make up. However repeated application is required the longer you've had your makeup on, as the mattifying effects don't last as long, . I can see this product becoming a stable feature in my summer makeup, for keeping shine at bay.

*Rating: Lust

*Ratings; Hate, dislike, Like, Lust, Love

Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Foundation

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference: in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

Brand: Charlotte Tilbury

Name: Magic Foundation

Coverage: Medium - Full

Shade: 11 described as a deep bronze for Deep to Dark Skin Tones with Warm Golden Undertones

Swatch:

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation Swatches

What The brand says: Magic Foundation is a miracle in a bottle that transforms skin for all ages, skin tones and skin types. I have worked with laboratories for five years to create a “hyper-intelligent” formula that gives full-coverage yet feels completely weightless, with all the anti-ageing and protective benefits of a luxury skin cream. It conceals imperfections, glides on like a dream, and literally feels like a second skin. Whether your skin needs just a bit of perfecting, or you struggle with a frustrating issue like acne, melasma or rosacea, Magic Foundation will give you a perfect looking skin day, every day! Chose from 15 beautiful demi-matte shades to match every skin tone from Lily Cole to Lupita Nyongo. 

Magical Laricyl: A concentrated mushroom extract that firms skin. It instantly tightens pores whilst flooding the skin with moisture, for a comfortable, nourished yet flawless finish.
Genius Hyaluronic Filling Spheres: What makes Hyaluronic Acid so beneficial is its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. These “genius” spheres absorb into the skin and plump up wrinkles from within. In 1 hour skin looks smoother and firmer, plus more supple and youthful.
Super-Charged Vitamin C (VC-IP): Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant that fights the damaging and ageing effects of free radicals. Magic Foundation is the first time this new super-charged Vitamin C has been used in a foundation. With consistent use, it helps skin build new collagen (essential for youthful elasticity), reduces the appearance of age spots by 75% in four months, and reduces the appearance of acne after 9 weeks.
Broad Spectrum SPF 15: Protects from damaging rays so skin can retain a healthy, youthful look.

Wear time (with/without primer): This has good wear time, but I do require a couple of touch-up on my combination skin without primer, a good mattifying primer will extend the wear and keep shine at bay for much longer. I can imagine on my skintype a mattifying primer would not be needed during the colder months.

Price (ml): £29.50 for 30ml

Pros: SPF15
Skincare benefits
Extended shade range
Comes with a pump
Gorgeous packaging
Lightweight
Non cakey

Cons: Needs more darker shades
Big jump between shades 11 and 12

Suitable Skin Types: All (extremely oily skins prep accordingly).

Ingredients: AQUA/WATER/EAU, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, TALC, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (NANO), GLYCERIN, NYLON-12, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, ZINC OXIDE, ACRYLATES/DIMETHICONE COPOLYMER, PHENOXYETHANOL, BENZYL ALCOHOL, SODIUM CHLORIDE,MAGNESIUM SULFATE, HYDROGEN DIMETHICONE, SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE, ALUMINA, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, DEHYDROACETIC ACID, POTASSIUM SORBATE, BENZOIC ACID, DIMETHICONE, TETRASODIUM EDTA, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, ASCORBYL TETRAISOPALMITATE, PROPYLENE CARBONATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, SILICA, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, FOMES OFFICINALIS (MUSHROOM) EXTRACT, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, [MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR (+/-): TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)].

Oxidation: Yes, it oxidises slightly after being on the skin for a minute or 2, if you produce a lot of oil it will also oxidise slightly as the day goes on.

Any Other Information: A new brush has been released, touted to work alongside this foundation, the Magic complexion Brush, which retails at £45. This brush was used on me at the counter, and while it was very soft, it did shed a bit and the MUA had to keep picking bits of bursh hair off my face. I just use a buffing brush.

Conclusion: As you can see from the swatches, shade 10 appears darker than shade 11 due to the very orange undertone, this is even too orange for me and I a little orange in my foundation. The MUA agreed that I probably needed a 10.5 for an exact match, but the undertones in 11 matched my neck and chest, while 10 made my face look darker than these areas. I don't agree with the shade description of 'deep bronze', but it definitely has a warm golden undertone.

This foundation is great for something that offers good coverage, it feels so lightweight on the skin and does not look heavy or cakey. Lets not get it twisted, it isn't magic (no foundation is), that's just marketing, but I admire Charlotte Tilbury's passion. You can pick up Magic Foundation here and here.

*Rating: Lust

*Ratings; Hate, dislike, Like, Lust, Love

Psychology Sunday; What is Anxiety???

I've always wanted to combine my training/day job and love of all things beauty on my blog. I came up with the idea of TheFoundationDirectory's Psychology Sunday, where I periodically write posts about mental health related issues. 

TheFoundationDirectory Psychology Sunday; What is Anxiety?

For abit of background and context I work in mental health and have done for over 11 years now, I originally qualified as a Occupational Therapist in 2004 and then went on to complete postgraduate studies in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in 2010. I will be adapting these posts as I go along, and initially they won't be weekly.

I would first like to say we all have mental health (just like we have physical health) and from time to time we require treatment and/or support to deal with difficulties with our health, be that through medication or Therapy. Part of my reason for doing this is to breakdown the stigma and encourage more people to talk about mental health and some issues they may encounter with it.





I thought I'd start with Anxiety, one of the most common mental health concerns.
 
What is Anxiety?; it's a normal phenomena that presents itself physically that we will all experience from time to time in our life. It becomes a disorder when it starts to impact on your day-to-day function or peaks to an uncontrollable level during a specific situation e.g. phobias. For some people it can mean constant and unnecessary worry about any and all aspects of daily life or future events that may or may not even occur. There are many different types of anxiety disorders; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Social Anxiety, Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Mixed Anxiety and Depression (MAD), Panic Disorder and Phobias to name a few. (I will go into detail about each one as this series evolves).

Symptoms: As I said for most the symptoms of Anxiety present themselves physically, for example shaking, breathlessness, increased heart rate, restlessness, sleep problems, upset stomach, tension, poor apetite, panic attacks, headaches and obviously constant worry etc. You may experience some or all of these, and you may worry about things that haven't happened or are unlikely to happen or no amount of planning or preparation could prevent from happening e.g. a natural disaster etc.

Treatment Options: There are many treatment options for Anxiety, and the best option for you may depend on the type of anxiety you suffer with, but CBT is effective at treating most types and is usually easy to access through a GP or self referral depending on where you live. One of the things to mindful of is 'self-medication' e.g. alcohol to calm nerves, drugs etc, these can sometimes just create dependency and do not address the issues causing the anxiety.

One of the things to note is you're not alone, like I said Anxiety is one of the most common, and even if you're not aware you probably know someone who suffers from it. If you are concerned about this or any other mental health issue, please see your GP, there is treatment out there that can help you feel better.

Please comment below and let me know what you think of this post/idea, or contact me on social media also let me know what other posts you would like to see.
Thanks

Alex

GELTOUCH LED Topcoat

As someone who perpetually struggles to get more than 3 days chip free wear out of nail polish, I was intrigued when offered the chance to try an LED Topcoat at a recent Debenhams Press Day. I had heard of DIY gel manicures before, but was intrigued because this one was different to the ones I was aware of. GelTouch LED Topcoat can be applied over ANY nail polish and gives up to 10 days chip free wear and is easy to remove, by buffing, soaking or peeling off.

GelTouch LED Topcoat Starter Kit



I was given the opportuinity to try this for myself at home, I received the GelTouch Starter Kit, which contains a cute compact LED lamp, the Gel Topcoat and some cleansing wipes. I started by applying my nail colour in the usual way, basecoat, 2 layers of colour and you have to let this completely dry before you can apply the top coat. Once the polish is dry I applied one layer of topcoat and cured this in the lamp for 60 seconds, cleaned off any sticky residue with the provided wipes and I was done. completely dry, shiny nails that should last up to 10 days, depending on how hard you are on your hands.

GelTouch Topcoat Starter Kit

I got about 5 days before a chip appeared, by the 6th day there was a little bit of tip wear, on the press day 2 coats of the Topcoat were applied, each layer cured for 60 seconds. So I think for future applications I will try this. I'm very happy with the GelTouch Topcoat, I like the fact that I can still use all of my many nail polishes and extend there wear in one very easy step, plus it's cheaper than getting gel nails done at the salon.

The Geltouch Starter Kit and the new Glitter Topcoats that launch for Chrsitmas will be available on Debenhams.com any day now. Have you tried any at home gel manicures?

DHC Resveratrol Range

I have long been a fan of DHC, their Mild Lotion is one of my favourite toners for hydrating the skin, and their Acerola range is great for evening out the skintone. We all know Japanese skincare is said to be ahead of the curve, so when I heard of the Resveratrol range I was excited to see what wonders DHC had in store.



DHC Resveratrol Skincare Range

Being a 30 plus blogger I'm fortunate that anti-ageing is not massively high up on my agenda, however I do want to preserve what I have for as long as possible, so I see skincare with anti-ageing benefits as a bonus. The Resveratrol Range contains Resveratrol (obviously), which is a polyphenol antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes, that helps to fight the visible signs of ageing. Resveratrol is also a phytoalexin, one of 600 microbial compounds produced by plants to protect them from adverse conditions, including UV rays, harsh conditions and climate. In lab studies, it has been shown to promote the Sirtuin “longevity” gene, I'm not sure how or whether this can be transferred to humans through topical application, but if anybody can get it to benefit the skin my money would be on a Japanese skincare brand. The range also has moisturising cereal extracts to help boost skin’s natural moisture barrier and bolster it's defences against environmental stresses.

First up is the Resveratrol lotion, to save on any confusion let me explain that DHC call their toners 'lotions', because they are so hydrating. This deeply hydrating Toner promotes smoother more resilient skin, it has a light scent, it's applied after cleansing with fingers or a cotton pad.

Next up is the Resveratrol Essence, this moisture promoting booster is a well known extra step in your skincare routine for Japanese women, and has slowly started to make it's way to the UK. This lightweight serum textured essence is applied after toner, but before moisturiser and gives an added layer of hydration to the skin. 

And the final product in this range is the Resveratrol Cream, an intensive 'age-defying' moisturiser, it cushions and seals all the moisture onto the skin. It's a very thick cream, but not greasy, I think this would be good for both day and night depending on your skin type.

Despite words like 'age-defying' I think anti-ageing skincare should be looked at as a way to preserve what you have and make small improvements to your skin, after all nothing will help you 'defy' your age other than genetics or surgical procedures. This range however is a good place to start, each item cost £43, so not the cheapest, but also not the most expensive when it comes to anti-ageing skincare.

Have you tried anything from DHC, you can find the Resveratrol range here?

GOSH Velvet Touch Matte Lipsticks

Last week I attended the GOSH A/W15 Blogger event to see the product lanches for the new season. GOSH are launching new nail products (A Base Coat, Topcoat, Cuticle Oil and the Fast Dry Drops) as well as a new foundation, which is NOT brown girl friendly despite having 10 shades!!!



GOSH Velvet Touch Matte Lipsticks
 

But I have to say the stand out product for me are these new Velvet Touch Matte Lipsticks, there are 8 shades and I love every last one, in fact I've not stopped wearing these lipsticks since I got hold of them.


GOSH Velvet Touch Matte Lipstick

These drugstore, creamy, pigmented, none drying Matte Lipsticks are fab, which is probably a result of the added oils, vitamin E and a dash of hyaluronic acid. These are a steal at £6.99, seriously if you are a matte lipstick lover you have to get your hands on these (and I don't say that very often), you can find them here. 

GOSH Velvet Touch Matte Lipstick Swatches

Don't be fooled by the sheen in these swatches, they dry down to a matte finish, but not too drying, although do ensure your lips are well prepped. Are you a matte lipstick fan?

Testing

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Blog name change!!!

This is the blog formally known as Aallexxy, but is now TheFoundationDirectory, apologies for any confusion, but I've been contemplating a change for a while. I hope this makes things easier in the long run, and while it's still not my optimal name (my other ideas were already taken), I'm taking this leap and hope you will join me and/or continue to support me.

Thank you

Alex.

Deciem; Hylamide Multi-Depth Rehydration Booster

So my love for Deciem brands continue, see here, here, here and here. I think you get the picture, and it seems it hasn't gone unnoticed as the brand kindly sent me one of their five new Boosters.

Deciem; Hylamide Multi-Depth Rehydration Booster

This is a super strength hydration serum with 5 forms of hyaluronic acid with varying molecular weights to target rehydration at multiple levels. This booster has very low molecular and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, which is said to encouraged better absorption and therefore hydrate lower and middle levels of the skin. The hyaluronic acid ferment is purified from a non-animal source and is oil free, also hyaluronic pre-cursor's encourage hyaluronic production and visible plumping of the skin, while the tamarind derived plant hyaluronic acid aids with improving visible skin elasticity.

This booster is to be used once a day before your moisturiser, in conjunction with your usual skincare products, for short and long term below and above surface rehydration for plumped up hydrated skin. Dehydration is something any skintype can suffer from, this lightweight gel is absorded easily, with no sticky or tacky residue on the skin and a great addition to my skincare regimme.

With all these things consider you'd imagine this is where I state how expensive it is,but at £18 for a 30ml pipette style glass bottle and only a small amount needed once a day, I think this will last a good while too. There are 4 other boosters for one for sensitivity, a Glow Booster, Photography Foundation (Blurring primer) and C25 that targets pigmentation, the latter two are currently on my wishlist.

have you tried any of the boosters?

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; Make Up Forever Ultra HD Foundation

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference: in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.



Make Up Forever Ultra HD Foundation

 Brand: Make Up Forever

Name: Ultra HD Foundation

Coverage: Medium - Full

Shade: R510 Coffee - 175 in regular formula

Swatch:

Make Up Forever Ultra HD Foundation Swatch

What The brand says: Created for the very latest high-definition technologies of the film and TV industry, ULTRA HD advanced formulas look invisible on 4K camera and to the naked eye. Perfect for the makeup pros and for you.

ULTRA HD foundation feels like a second skin, but still provides medium coverage, and the light-diffusing formula looks natural and makes skin look flawless and feel moisturized. Exclusive 4K Complex guarantees invisible, natural and comfortable makeup. The fluid texture blends in seamlessly and conceals imperfections to unify the skin’s texture. Great for all skin types, and features a full-range of shades to cover all skintones.

Wear time (with/without primer): This lasts well throughout the day, although touch ups are required in my oily areas even with a mattifying primer as a base. But for the rest of my face, it lasts really well with no touch ups.

Price (ml): £33.50 for 30ml (Price starts from £29, depending on where you purchase it)

Pros: 40 Shades

Cons: New numbering system can be confusing

Suitable Skin Types: All

Ingredients: Not on website (will update from packaging in due course)

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: Shades that start with an R represent those with a red undertone, while those with a Y, yellow undertones. There are 4 groups representing your skintone 2 - Light, 3 - Medium, 4 - Tan and 5 - Dark, then the last 2 digits represent the shade, which go up in increments of 5. The ones that have a match in the original formula will also have these numbers on the bottom of the bottle, but there are 15 extra shades in this formulation, but some of the previous shades have been discontinued. You maybe wondering why I got R510 then, well the original shade 175 is described as having coral undertones and I like a good neutral toned foundation, it works, but I think come winter I'll need a different shade. (NB: I have not tried the original, which I belive is being discontiuned, so I cannot compare formula)

Conclusion: This is a really nice foundation, that covers well without looking cakey or heavy and has a great shade range. However with all the hype around the original formula I expected to be wowed and wasn't, that's not to say it's bad, possibly I had very high expectations. It is good for photographs and filming, reasonably priced, especially if you get it at the cheaper end of the price bracket.

*Rating: Like

*Ratings; Hate, dislike, Like, Lust, Love